Possum Room

They stack cardboard blocks and call the structures "skyscrapers in hot lava". They buy and sell plastic food for $5.00 in the kitchen area and they like to dress up in the dramatic play area. These are the children at Nonotuck who are just leaving the toddler stage and are relishing the independence of being preschoolers. In order to foster this independence, we have many open-ended toys and art supplies that are self-service. As their teachers, we foster this independence and guide them as individuals. Each child is encouraged to engage in critical thinking and creative expression. They are offered beads and string, books and blocks, sand and shells. Every day they are challenged to use their senses for exploring their world in the classroom and out on the playground.                                                     
We always allow for plenty of improvisation and flexibility within the structure of our day. This freedom promotes individual accomplishments as well as learning how to succeed in a group. Because they are having to learn how to get along with their peers, our challenge as teachers is to anticipate teachable moments. We look forward to shaping the curriculum as the children react and learn from events. By accepting what they are interested in and validating that interest with further study, we are making learning fun. As we witness the children grow and reach their different milestones, we offer daily updates to the parents and guardians. We are excited to be a special part of these children's lives and hope to be a special part of their preschool memories!